Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281288 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Ingrid Szczerban Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 10 in a semi-detached house, in the Rawdon area of Leeds. The rooms used by children are the kitchen diner and the front room; the garden is not currently suitable for outdoor play. The main bedroom on the first floor is used for sleeping young children during the day. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park most days and attends a local parent and toddler group with the younger children. The childminder is a member of a local childminding network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine. The home is clean and tidy to protect children from infection and an effective sickness policy is implemented. All accidents are recorded but the childminder does not have written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply, in order to meet their needs. Home-cooked meals and healthy snacks are given to children to keep them fit and well. Children's health further benefits from having their need for regular meal times and rest times met. Children are involved in food preparation and learn about good and bad foods. They are very interested in the content of foods and meticulously check ingredients on wrappers. If any hydrogenated fat is included they reject the item, as they know that it clogs arteries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Robust physical activity is enjoyed by children. Each day they walk to and from school which helps to build their stamina and develop a sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies. Children learn to climb and balance on visits to parks and adventure play areas. Young children do somersaults, ride bikes and crawl through tunnels on regular visits to toddler groups. They learn to jump, hop and play parachute games at a weekly dance and movement session.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised because the childminder takes the necessary precautions to keep children safe on and off the premises. However, the disinfectant spray next to the toilet is a potential hazard to children. Children learn about fire safety and how to keep themselves from harm as they practise the fire drill each month.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is ample, safe space for children to move around in the home. The garden is not currently safe for children to play. Children use a range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. Their toys are stored at child height so they can reach them safely. These arrangements also promote children's independence and choice. The childminder checks all equipment for safety as it is used, to ensure that children do not come to harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues. She is clear about her responsibilities and the correct procedure to follow should the need arise, thereby protecting the welfare needs of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in their warm relationships with the childminder. They are happy and settled, deriving benefit from established routines planned around their needs, which contributes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to their emotional well-being. Daily outings are undertaken and children have regular times for snacks, meals and rest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a range of activities both inside and outside the home. They learn about the world around them through visits to local farms, parks, playgrounds, stately homes and formal gardens. Being outdoors each day, they get first-hand experience of all types of weather, which helps their understanding of nature. Children create using a selection of media, such as making pictures with fallen leaves that they have gathered from the park. They express their ideas using paint and play dough, and through dance and song. Older children improve their concentration, and maths through playing games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

High value is placed on social skills and children learn good table etiquette. They sit down to eat at the table each day, and are encouraged to express their views and to listen to one another. Young children's social development is also encouraged through regular visits to local groups. They communicate clearly and confidently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to appreciate similarities and differences and develop positive attitudes to others. A selection of toys and books that promote aspects of diversity are provided and children have relevant discussions with the childminder. In addition, children eat foods from other countries and chat about issues they have covered in school, such as visiting a mosque. Suitable arrangements would be made to care for children with learning difficulties should the need arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and polite, in response to the expectations of the childminder who is a good role model. The use of meaningful praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem and they are confident and self-assured. Children's behaviour is consistently and appropriately managed, according to their age and level of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has developed with parents, taking the form of daily discussions. Children settle well as a result of close consultation between the childminder and the parents prior to admission; this ensures that home routines are followed and the transition for children is made as seamless as possible. Parents state they are very happy with the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space and routines are effectively organised to meet the needs of the children. They are able to initiate their own play and learning. The storage of toys promotes effective decision making and does not detract from free space available for children to move around. All adults in the home are suitably vetted so that children remain safe. Children receive good levels of individual time and attention from the childminder.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder organises her documentation well; keeping separate files for each child ensures that confidentiality is maintained. The register is accurate and up to date, and the registration certificate is displayed. The childminder is eager to extend her knowledge and practice through further training, however, she does not have a current first aid certificate. The is a breach in regulation.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, recommendations were raised regarding resources to promote equal opportunities

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved the amount of resources she provides that reflect the wider world; she has books, dolls and play figures which represent aspects of diversity. Activities, such as celebrating festivals and learning to appreciate foods from other countries, are provided. This raises children's awareness of similarities and difference.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that chemical spays in the bathroom are made inaccessible to children • request written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice • complete an appropriate first aid course.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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